EC Synkowski started CrossFit in 2006 to break out of a globo-gym rut, and shortly thereafter she completed her CrossFit Level 1. Her enthusiasm and hard work eventually led to seminar staff and flowmaster positions for the Level 1 and CrossFit Weightlifting courses, a CF-L4 certification, and a career as Training Program Manager with CrossFit, Inc.

In 2017, EC stepped down from her position at CrossFit to focus on finishing her second master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. From there, she founded her company, OptimizeMe Nutrition, where she focuses on helping individuals understand nutrition physiology and it’s day-to-day application. Her website provides educational resources and tools so that individuals may find their own ideal nutrition program. She is also the founder of the #800gChallenge, an inclusive eating plan that encourages participants to maximize their fruit and vegetable intake and encourages the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods.

EC and I met up in Cleveland to chat about the importance of food quality and quantity, the tips she has to offer to the majority of the population for better nutrition, and to answer listener questions about trending nutrition topics.

In this episode, we discuss:

EC’s background and how she became interested in fitness and nutrition

Her transition to working for CrossFit Seminar Staff

How EC built her nutrition knowledge and experience

The founding of OptimizeMe Nutrition

The best approach to nutrition for 99% of the population

The process EC uses to get clients on the right track

Her thoughts on elimination diets

The importance of food quality, and her approach to the plant vs. animal debate

Tracking macros and finding balance in measuring food quantity

EC’s advice for getting your diet back on track after a setback

Her take on the ketogenic diet trend

The importance of self-experimentation

The #800gChallenge

The role of supplements in a healthy, whole foods diet

Nutrient timing, fasting, and post-workout nutrition

EC’s thoughts on sweeteners

Her thoughts on how cuts can affect hormones

The approach EC recommends for individuals who want to gain mass

Her thoughts on eating late at night

Her favorite resources to learn more

EC’s daily routine

The three things EC does on a regular basis that have the biggest positive impact on her health

One thing she thinks could have a big impact on her health, but that she struggles to implement

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below and on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every other Tuesday.

This episode is brought to you by Thrive Market. By cutting out the middle man, Thrive Market delivers your favorite healthy food and lifestyle products to your doorstep at 25-50% lower cost than you would spend in the grocery store. Visit http://www.thrivemarket.com/ph to receive an exclusive offer from Thrive Market for being a listener of Pursuing Health: 25% off your first order + a free 30 day trial!

This episode is also brought to you by Butcher Box. Butcher Box delivers 100% grass-fed and finished beef, free-range organic chicken, and heritage-breed pork directly to your doorstep, on your schedule. You can order curated or custom boxes of meat, and they always come with recipe ideas for you to explore. Visit butcherbox.com/Julie to receive an exclusive offer for being a listener of Pursuing Health: $20 off your order + a free order of bacon!

Disclaimer: This podcast is meant to share the experiences of various individuals. It does not provide medical advice, and it is not a substitute for advice from your physician or health care professional.

“From a young age, I was never put… I wasn’t put on the same platform as just girls, it was everyone. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh you’re the best girl out there,’ it was, ‘How do you be the best, period,’ and stop worrying about the differences, the small differences or the obvious differences, it’s about how to be the best. And so, I just feel like that was just kind of ingrained from a young age… And also, not even just be the best, but, forget it, YOUR best, which could be excessively better than everyone else. You know what I mean? Take it to the limit. Your limit, not someone else’s limit.” – Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick is an athlete, author, television personality, and former professional race car driver who made headlines as the first woman to achieve several landmark victories on the IndyCar circuit and NASCAR. Over the course of her career, she broke gender barriers and was a vocal proponent of pushing her limits to be the best.

I sat down with Danica at the 2018 CrossFit Games to chat about setting new goals after retirement, her experience as a trailblazer, and how she uses a holistic approach to constantly push herself to be her very best.

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below and on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every other Tuesday.

This episode is brought to you by Thrive Market. By cutting out the middle man, Thrive Market delivers your favorite healthy food and lifestyle products to your doorstep at 25-50% lower cost than you would spend in the grocery store. Visit http://www.thrivemarket.com/ph to receive an exclusive offer from Thrive Market for being a listener of Pursuing Health: 25% off your first order + a free 30 day trial!

This episode is also brought to you by Butcher Box. Butcher Box delivers 100% grass-fed and finished beef, free-range organic chicken, and heritage-breed pork directly to your doorstep, on your schedule. You can order curated or custom boxes of meat, and they always come with recipe ideas for you to explore. Visit butcherbox.com/Julie to receive an exclusive offer for being a listener of Pursuing Health: $20 off your order + a free order of bacon!

Disclaimer: This podcast is meant to share the experiences of various individuals. It does not provide medical advice, and it is not a substitute for advice from your physician or health care professional.